This presentation provides a historical overview of antique diamond cuts from the 15th through early 20th centuries and explains how cut, style, era, and jewelry context affect valuation. Rather than technical gemology, the emphasis is on visual characteristics, historical context, and market behavior, especially in auctions.

Gail Brett Levine is an independent personal property appraiser with a long-time love of the jewelry world. Over the years, she has worked with everything from antique and period pieces to estate jewelry, and she brings that same curiosity and care to every assignment. She’s also stayed closely connected to the gem and jewelry community through ongoing involvement with professional organizations and alumni groups.

She is the founder of Timeless, Inc., where she focuses on appraisals for insurance, estates, claims, and charitable donations, along with gem consulting. Gail also created Auction Market Resource for Gems and Jewelry, a trusted industry resource that shares thoughtful, appraiser-informed insights on jewelry auction results and the gem materials appearing in today’s market.

Gail has also contributed to the field through education and reference work, including updating and expanding Gem & Jewelry Appraising: Techniques of Professional Practice so it remains a practical guide for working appraisers.

She later took on a leadership role with the National Association of Jewelry Appraisers (NAJA), supporting its members and helping advance professional standards and best practices in gem and jewelry appraising.